The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on how and where we work going forwards is profound and unchartered territory for business all around the world as we discover the ‘new normal’. Whether its back to business as usual or working from home for the foreseeable there as essential work shoes every man can rely on. From classic toe cap Oxford shoes to penny loafer, there are staple pairs worn during your nine-to-five shift that remain unchanged for now.
Work shoes are unquestionably every gentleman’s wardrobe workhorses. Once they are laced up or slipped on they keep your feet protected from the commute, the working day to after office business meetings and dinners. Choosing a pair of leather work shoes isn’t a decision to take slightly as several factors must be considered including durability, versatility and comfort. A Goodyear-welted pair of handmade shoes is highly recommended but also considering the last and fitting as this will make all the difference after a long day at the office.
Burford Malvern
We’ve selected five Barker shoe styles that will remain strictly professional but none of which reinvent the sartorial wheel as they are timeless business classics. The men’s oxford dress shoes are the true professional that continues to be a first choice for many working professionals due to the closed lacing styles practically. The black toe cap Oxford is the ideal companion the suit whether it’s worn at the office, attending weddings, funerals or special occasions. Highly recommended Barker Oxford shoe styles include the Arnold, Burford, Malvern, and Winsford which are all available in black as well as shades of brown.
Skye Nairn
An understated office staple is the plain toe men’s derby shoe. A comfortable counterpart to the classic Oxford shoe, the Derby shoe features an open lacing system and come in various shapes and sizes. Previously seen as a Country shoe, the Derby has become a menswear classic that sits on the edge of formal dress shoes and casual work wear. A classic Derby shoe that features in the Barker Icon Series is the Nairn, Goodyear-welted and made on the 29 last, the Nairn features a British Dainite rubber sole and is available in black calf leather but for more Country casual options there is cedar and cherry grain. Additional derby shoes by Barker include Skye, similar to Nairn as it’s from the Country collection but made on the 464 last and Ellon, a comfortable Derby shoe that features Barker-Tech technology.
Bedale Mansfield
The Mansfield Chelsea boot is a elegant boot option that is easy to wear whether it be in the office or dressed down with denim jeans or chinos at the weekend. Mansfield is made on the 486 last from premium calf leather with a choice of full leather or British Dainite rubber soles. The Bedale is another popular mens leather chelsea boots from the Barker Professional collection but is made from high grade polished leather to offer a hi-shine alternative.
Caruso Studland
If you prefer to go lace-less at the office the selection of Barker slip on styles is extensive and includes the Caruso and Portsmouth penny loafer shoes, both are Goodyear-welted and made in the Earls Barton factory. The Studland Tassel loafer is another suitable office slip on style, made on the 487 last from premium calf leather and soft suede's with a rubber sole.
The fifth work shoe style recommended by Barker is the double monk strap, a shoe design that typifies true professional, the Tunstall double monk strap is a staple in the Professional collection.
Explore all the Barker Professional collection styles online and at Barker London flagship stores as well as stockists around the world.